This paper summarizes the 16 projects that have been funded by the Minnesota Extension Service to demonstrate innovative and effective uses of technology in adult education. Several of the projects are described in detail. Actual and anticipated impacts are examined, and suggested strategies that others can apply to reach and empower rural adult learners are identified. Formative and summative evaluation data relate strategies to specific problems identified by rural learners. Topics covered by the projects summarized include the following: satellite video teleconference on teen depression and suicide; videotapes on family stress; videotape about selecting and working with a lawyer; distance computer training via telephone; expert system on mastitis prevention; consumer information systems; Northeast Minnesota Telecommunications Network; Interactive Videodisc for pesticide applicator training; computer-accessed bulletin board service; Todd County interactive telecommunications; stored-grain management national satellite videoconference; personal computer video production of grain marketing; food and nutrition education; the home landscape; a family education project; and the audiotex system. (KC)